Friday, May 15, 2009

5/14/09: Training Like a Beast

Sorry I haven't posted in a little while. I've been too busy training!

In the last three weeks, I've run 98, 100, and 115 miles. The 98 and 100 mile weeks also had a day off due to work, which puts me at averaging over 16 miles a day for the last three weeks!

All in all I've been feeling great. I've gotten in back to back long runs (27 and 29 miles), speed workouts (6x800 @ 2:47), cross training (biking and stairmaster), and lots of lifting and core work. I've been trying very hard to take care of myself to keep going through this rough training schedule. With lots of sleep, eating right, and ice baths, I've been holding up pretty well.

I've also been spending some time working on my stomach troubles that sometimes plague me. I'm trying NUUN again as an electrolyte replacement drink (http://www.nuun.com/). I tried it last year but ended up not liking it. Looking back, I think I just didn't like the lemon/lime flavor. I'm trying berry right now and really like it.

I'm also trying Clip2 (http://www.succeedscaps.com/main_clip.html), which is specially designed for races over 50 miles. It is supposed to go down easy and have lots of carbs and proteins along with 150 calories per 20 ounces. I have to say I'm impressed with Clip2! It tastes like nothing (a good thing when you're drinking on the run) and really helps me keep my energy level up.

I think between NUUN and Clip2, I'll be able to do a much better job of staying hydrated, maintaining my electrolyte balance, and getting in calories on the run.

Also, I'm pretty sure that I'll be running the Tahoe Rim Trail 100 on July 18th (http://tahoemtnmilers.org/trt50/). I signed up for the race a while back, but was undecided on the 50 miler vs. 100 miler. My training has been going well, and I'll have my friends Danny and Dylan there to crew/pace me, so I think I'm going to go for it!

Unfortunately Jen won't be able to make it out that weekend, which is a huge bummer. It'll be on Danny and Dylan to take good care of me.

It's a tough race that is run between 6,800 and 9,300 feet of elevation with 20,000 feet of elevation gain and 20,000 feet of descent. As a comparison, Vermont was 15,000 gain and descent. While it's a harder race, I'm definitely in better shape and a more seasoned ultra runner now. I've done a bunch of runs with SERIOUS climbing this year, and I feel ready to take on the mountains.

I'm going to train very hard throughout May and June and will hopefully be ready by July 18th!

Brome, I like the enthusiasm and confidence. Dylan, just feed me some boiled potatoes, Tums, and Tylenol 8 hour and give me a slap on the ass on the way out of the aid station. Oh, I've also heard that "five more minutes" is an effective tactic to keep me running when you're pacing me.